Dutch Oven Jalapeño Chicken Popper (Cheesy & Spicy!)

Dutch Oven Jalapeño Popper Chicken is an addictive and incredibly easy one pot recipe consisting of tender chicken breasts, a cream cheese and shredded cheddar mixture, sliced jalapenos, and cooked bacon.

The dish has a lovely level of spice thanks to the fresh jalapenos and smoked paprika without it being overpowering.

Whip up this easy and tasty jalapeno popper chicken in just 30 minutes and serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, and homemade dinner rolls.

IS DUTCH OVEN JALAPENO POPPER CHICKEN LOW-CARB?

You bet! Not only does this Dutch oven jalapeno popper chicken burst with flavor, it’s also low-carb and keto-friendly!

Apart from being low in carbs, the jalapenos in this dish contain a compound known as capsaicin, which makes them rich in vitamins, folate, and antioxidants, apart from making them spicy. All in all, this jalapeno popper chicken dish is pretty healthy!

HOW SPICY IS THIS RECIPE?

It’s hard to say whether this dish will be too hot for you since everyone’s spice tolerance is different. That said, the jalapenos do lose some of their heat when cooked. In addition to that, the cream cheese also cuts some of the spiciness.

You can deseed the jalapenos if you want a milder version as well as use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika, or leave as is for a more spicy option.

Increase the level of heat in this dish by adding in some cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.

IS THIS DUTCH OVEN RECIPE JALAPENO POPPER CHICKEN DISH GLUTEN-FREE?

Yes, it is! There are no ingredients in this dish that contain any trace of gluten!

CAN I USE CANNED JALAPENOS INSTEAD OF FRESH?

Yes, you can. You will save a small amount of preparation time if you purchase canned diced jalapenos although I always opt for fresh as this will always provide a better flavor and texture.

WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH DUTCH OVEN JALAPENO POPPER CHICKEN?

Keep this meal low-carb by serving your jalapeno popper chicken with mashed cauliflower, cauliflower rice, or greens such as asparagus and broccoli.

You could also enjoy a green salad or side of low-carb mixed roasted veggies with your jalapeno popper chicken.

If carbs aren’t an issue, consider pairing this jalapeno popper chicken with regular potatoes (mash or crispy wedges). 

TIPS FOR MAKING MY DUTCH OVEN JALAPEÑO POPPER CHICKEN

• For extra cheesy goodness, add mozzarella and parmesan to this dish in addition to the cheddar.
• Shred your cheese from a block of cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains a waxy coating for the purpose of extended shelf life. This artificial coating reduces the fresh taste of the cheese and also affects its melting ability.
• The smoked paprika in this dish does a great job of adding another depth of flavor and spice on top of the jalapenos. You can use regular paprika instead, though.
• Get extra decadent by making a slice into the chicken and adding some of the cream cheese mixture inside the chicken.
• Regular bacon or thick-cut bacon strips will work just fine in this dish. You could also use bacon bits if you wish.
• Consider sprinkling some breadcrumbs over the shredded cheese topping as a lovely crunch to this dish. These can be regular or gluten-free.

Dutch Oven Jalapeño Popper Chicken

Dutch Oven Jalapeño Popper Chicken is an addictive and incredibly easy one-pot recipe consisting of tender chicken breasts, a cream cheese and shredded cheddar mixture, sliced jalapenos, and cooked bacon.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 Servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 3 strips bacon
• 1-1/2 pounds chicken breasts 2 breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 2 jalapenos sliced*

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, on a medium burner, heat the 10-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Cook 3 strips of bacon. When done, remove the bacon from the skillet to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
2. While the bacon is cooking, mix your dry seasonings together and season all sides of the chicken breast. Once the bacon is done cooking, with 1-2 Tablespoons of bacon grease left in the skillet, add the chicken to sear on the top and bottom. This should take 3 minutes on each side.
3. Sear chicken breast in a 10-inch cast iron skillet.
4. While the second side of the chicken is searing, mix the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl. Use a spoon to layer the cream cheese onto the top of the chicken breast and shut off the stovetop.
5. Process image of jalapeno popper chicken breast in the skillet before baking.
6. Using gloves and a sharp knife, cut your jalapenos into circle strips. Remove the seeds if need be for less heat. Top the cream cheese with slices of the jalapenos.
7. Bake the skillet in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
8. Top with more shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, and/or cilantro. Each chicken breast can serve 2 people generally speaking.
9. Overhead image of a 10 inch cast iron skillet with jalapeno popper chicken breast topped with cheese and bacon.